What makes signed marquetry furniture more valuable?

Signed marquetry furniture carries stronger collector appeal through clear links with a known maker or workshop. French cabinetmakers from the 1700s often stamped pieces with metal punches after guild approval, as Paris guild law required many craftsmen to mark their work. Stamps from makers such as Riesener, Oeben, and BVRB attract strong interest today and signed furniture offers a clearer ownership trail for museums and auction houses. Provenance records can raise prices sharply and a royal inventory, palace bill, or aristocratic collection label may add huge value. Unsigned furniture can still hold quality equal to signed examples, yet buyers often pay more for recognised names. Forged stamps appear on some antiques, so experts inspect wood age, glue, tool marks, mounts, and veneer cuts before giving approval. X-ray scans now help furniture historians study hidden repairs and internal structure.